Ombudsman orders 99 officials to resign

MANILA, Philippines — Recently hired ranking officials of the Office of the Ombudsman have been given an ultimatum of seven days to tender their courtesy resignations.

In an order dated Oct. 22, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said all officials and employees whose appointments were issued from May 29 to July 27 this year are covered by the order.

These include two assistant ombudsmen, four directors, three graft investigation officers, 60 graft investigation and prosecution officers and 30 assistant special prosecutors – a total of 99 officials.

Their salary grades range from 25 to 29, or monthly salaries of P111,727 to P180,492, respectively.

Their appointments were made shortly before Remulla’s predecessor, Samuel Martires retired in July.

Remulla also encouraged those with salary grade 24, or a monthly salary of P85,074, and below to also submit their courtesy resignations within seven days.

“Until any action on the courtesy resignations is taken by the undersigned, all officials and employees named herein shall continue to report for work and perform their normal duties and responsibilities,” the order read.

Remulla, who assumed as ombudsman last Oct. 9, earlier said he discovered 204 suspected “midnight appointees” in his office and will ask these people to reapply or submit their courtesy resignations.

He said it is not right that there are positions, which are supposed to be vacant due to his predecessor’s end of term, to suddenly be filled up.

He also said some of the new hires were neophyte lawyers, which would affect the morale of employees who served in the agency longer.

Of the 99 officials, the highest ranked are Assistant Ombudsman Nellie Roxas and Assistant Ombudsman Maria Olivia Roxas, with salary grade 29.

Remulla said he has asked the Civil Service Commission for assistance in the matter and the commission has committed its willingness to lend a hand.